Vegas Play of the Day: Oregon vs. UCLA

Don Ryan / AP

Oregon forward Mike Moser, right, dribbles against Arizona State guard Jahii Carson during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Eugene, Ore., Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Moser led Oregon with 22 points and 17 rebounds as they beat Arizona State 85-78.

Related Coverage

Our three sports writers started with a $10,000 bankroll — fictional, of course.

Oregon moneyline plus +110 against UCLA: $500 to win $550

Since we have so many games in town this week it would be crazy to go anywhere else for the play of the day. And after watching the streaking Ducks in person Wednesday night, I like their chances to pull the upset.

After a rough start to conference play, Oregon has really turned it around with an eight-game winning streak, including Wednesday’s 88-74 victory against Oregon State. During that stretch the Ducks are 6-1-1 against the spread. They’re not just winning; they’re going out and beating teams.

One win during that stretch was at UCLA, and earlier in the year Oregon only lost by two to the No. 2 seed Bruins. So there’s no intimidation factor. And since Oregon’s tournament fate — specifically its seed and where it would travel — is far less certain than UCLA’s, there’s more on the line for Oregon.

UCLA coach Steve Alford has a history of doing very well during conference tournaments in Las Vegas, but this one’s not at the Thomas & Mack Center.